United Blood Services supports need in Orlando, asks for local and area donors to help

United Blood Services centers across the state have sent blood supplies to Orlando, Florida, for assistance in life-saving measures being taken after the shootings at Pulse nightclub. Monday, UBS issued an urgent plea to the Concho Valley to replenish the local supply to ensure that Orlando and local and area hospitals who need help are served.

The UBS center has extended its donor hours for Monday to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., as the emergency critical appeal for donors of all blood types continues.

“When tragedy strikes, it’s the blood on the shelves that saves lives,” said Linda Grace, UBS senior donor recruitment representative. “That’s why we rushed to help the Orlando community and why we are asking donors now to replenish this area’s blood supply. Every 2-to-3 seconds in this country, someone needs blood. And you never know when you or someone you love will be the one. We all expect blood to be available when we need it, but only a few of those who can give actually roll up their sleeves. It’s time for everyone to get involved!”

A mobile blood drive is planned for 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Shannon Medical Center, 120 E. Harris Ave, second floor Legacy Room. Donors will receive a choice of two movie passes, a $10 Starbucks gift card or a $10 Shannon gift shop gift certificate plus be entered into a drawing to win Showdown in San Angelo Dragboat Race passes (either two three-day passes or two VIP tent passes).

A press release from UBS said, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently changed its guidance about blood donation by men who have had sex with men, United Blood Services is still in the process of changing its computer system to address the change and currently must defer men who have had sex with men.